You activate the F&O segment by requesting it in your broker’s app or website, uploading income proof, and confirming that you understand the risks of derivatives. Most brokers approve it within a day or two.
The steps look roughly like this. Go to the profile or segment settings, choose futures and options, and upload an accepted document. Brokers commonly accept a recent bank statement, salary slip, ITR acknowledgement or a demat holding statement. You will also see a risk disclosure explaining that most F&O traders lose money, which you must acknowledge.
Before you click activate, think about one number. SEBI’s FY26 data shows individual F&O traders lost around ₹91,685 crore in total, with roughly 90% of them losing money and the average loss around ₹1.16 lakh. Among traders under 30, 88.5% lost money. The segment is not a shortcut to quick income.
Also note the rule changes. Lot sizes were revised from the 30 December 2025 expiry, for example Nifty to 65, and NSE weekly expiry is on Tuesday as of October 2026. Check the latest NSE circular, since these change.
The SEBI FY26 F&O study is worth reading first. Our Diploma in Stock Market covers derivative basics before you ever place a live trade.